Final answer:
The book 'In the Time of the Butterflies' is primarily shaped by political, social, and cultural issues, focusing on the Mirabal sisters' fight against dictatorship in the Dominican Republic and exploring gender roles and societal expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The book 'In the Time of the Butterflies' is shaped by a variety of issues, particularly political, social, and cultural ones. The novel, based on the true story of the Mirabal sisters and their opposition to Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo, delves deeply into the political turmoil and oppression of the era, examining how individual acts of courage can challenge a totalitarian regime. The social aspects are highlighted through the depiction of the sisters' lives and their transformations from sheltered young women to revolutionary figures. Lastly, the novel delves into cultural aspects as it explores gender roles and the expectations placed on women in Dominican society during the mid-20th century.